Handfasting and Other Wedding Rituals
A ritual turns a promise into something your guests can see as well as hear. From handfasting to unity sand, candle lighting and ring warming, I’ll help you choose a ritual that suits you and write it into your ceremony so it feels natural and meaningful.
Jump to a ritual
Handfasting ceremony
Handfasting is an old Celtic tradition and is often said to be where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from. The couple’s hands are bound together with ribbons or cords to symbolise their commitment to each other.
It’s one of the most popular rituals at weddings and vow renewals today. Family and friends can each place a different coloured ribbon over your hands, with every colour representing a different wish or meaning – a lovely way to involve the people you love.
Ribbons for handfasting are included in the Silver and Gold wedding packages.
Unity sand ceremony
In a unity sand ceremony, you each pour a different coloured sand into a single vessel. The sands blend into something new that can never be separated – a symbol of two lives joining together.
It’s a beautiful alternative to the unity candle and works well outdoors, where a flame might struggle. It’s especially popular with couples who have children from previous relationships: each child can pour their own colour, bringing the whole family together as one.
You keep the finished vessel as a keepsake of your day.
Candles, family & rings
Every ritual can be accompanied by music, a reading or personal words written especially for you.
Unity candle ceremony
Two individual flames are used to light one central candle, representing two lives, two families and two journeys coming together.
A quiet, romantic moment – and parents or children can be invited to light the first candles, honouring the people who have supported you.
Blended family ceremony
Celebrates not only the couple, but the joining of two families – so children feel included and part of the day.
It can be shaped in many ways: coloured sand, lighting candles, making promises, exchanging small gifts or a special family reading.
Ring warming ceremony
Before the exchange of rings, your rings are passed between chosen guests – or everyone – so each person can hold them for a moment and add their love and good wishes.
By the time the rings reach you, they carry the warmth of everyone there. Lovely for small and large weddings alike.
Looking for something else? Other ideas include a unity plant or tree-planting ceremony – I’m always happy to create something unique to you.
Adding a personal touch to your ceremony
You don’t need to decide straight away. We’ll talk through the options when we plan your ceremony.
Choose
We talk about what each ritual means and which feels most like you.
Personalise
I write the words around your story, beliefs and values – romantic, spiritual or light-hearted.
Involve
Decide who takes part: children, parents, grandparents, friends or all your guests.
Enjoy
On the day I guide everyone through it, so it flows naturally within the ceremony.
What is a handfasting ceremony?
Handfasting is a Celtic ritual where the couple’s hands are bound together with ribbons or cords to symbolise their commitment. It’s often said to be the origin of the phrase “tying the knot”.
Which ritual is best for a blended family?
A unity sand ceremony or a blended family ceremony works beautifully. Each child can add their own colour of sand, light a candle or make a promise, so everyone feels part of the new family.
Can our guests take part in a ritual?
Yes. Guests can add ribbons during a handfasting, pass your rings in a ring warming ceremony, or read a blessing. It’s a lovely way to involve the people who matter most.
Do you supply the ribbons for handfasting?
Yes – ribbons for handfasting are included in the Silver (£650) and Gold (£700) wedding packages.
Can we have more than one ritual?
Yes. The Silver package includes one ritual and the Gold package includes unlimited rituals, so you can combine, for example, a handfasting and a ring warming.
Can rituals be included in a vow renewal or elopement?
Absolutely. Handfasting and unity sand ceremonies are especially popular at vow renewals, and a ritual can make even the smallest elopement feel memorable.
Let’s plan your ritual
Tell me a little about your ceremony and any rituals you’re curious about. I’ll get back to you to talk through the ideas.